Queensland farmer fined for pesticide on grapes

By Ed Jackson

The discovery of significant levels of pesticide residue on Queensland grapes has led to a hefty fine for a farm manager.

The Emerald Magistrates Court imposed a fine of $10,000 on the farm manager after he pleaded guilty to breaching agricultural chemical regulations.

A Biosecurity Queensland officer conducted routine sampling of table grapes during harvest operations in November 2016 at the farm and testing revealed a significant level of residue from the pesticide dimethoate.

Queensland's Agricultural Industry Development Minister Mark Furner said the fine underlined the significant responsibility attached to the responsible use of agricultural chemical products.

It was unclear if the offending was deliberate or accidental, Mr Furner said.